Yuki, Kazuhiro (2013): Mechanization, task assignment, and inequality.
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Abstract
Mechanization− the replacement by machines of humans (and animals) engaged in production tasks− has proceeded continuously since the Industrial Revolution. This paper examines interactions among long-run trends of mechanization, shifts of tasks humans perform, and earnings levels and inequality. Specifically, the paper develops a Ricardian model of task assignment and analyzes how improvements of productivities of machines and an increase in the relative supply of skilled workers affect task assignment (which factor performs which task), earnings levels and inequality, and aggregate output. The model succeeds in capturing the great majority of the long-run trends.
Item Type: | MPRA Paper |
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Original Title: | Mechanization, task assignment, and inequality |
Language: | English |
Keywords: | mechanization; task assignment; earnings inequality; technical change |
Subjects: | J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J2 - Demand and Supply of Labor > J24 - Human Capital ; Skills ; Occupational Choice ; Labor Productivity J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J3 - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs > J31 - Wage Level and Structure ; Wage Differentials N - Economic History > N3 - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy > N30 - General, International, or Comparative O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O14 - Industrialization ; Manufacturing and Service Industries ; Choice of Technology O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights > O33 - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences ; Diffusion Processes |
Item ID: | 52748 |
Depositing User: | Kazuhiro Yuki |
Date Deposited: | 07 Jan 2014 14:54 |
Last Modified: | 26 Sep 2019 14:28 |
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URI: | https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/id/eprint/52748 |
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Mechanization, task assignment, and inequality. (deposited 30 Mar 2012 12:31)
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Mechanization, task assignment, and inequality. (deposited 07 Oct 2012 15:54)
- Mechanization, task assignment, and inequality. (deposited 11 Aug 2016 10:22)
- Mechanization, task assignment, and inequality. (deposited 07 Jan 2014 14:54) [Currently Displayed]
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Mechanization, task assignment, and inequality. (deposited 07 Oct 2012 15:54)